A detailed history of the Class 18.1 express steam locomotives, which were built from 1909 onwards. Originally designed for the Württembergische Eisenbahn, these locomotives were the lightest of all the German Länderbahn-Pacifics. Their smooth, steel-blue cladding gave an elegant look, and the Class soon became known for both their performance and appearance.
By 1921, the works at Esslingen had built a total of 41 locomotives, which continued to provide front line service in often difficult circumstances for 46 years. After the First World War, several examples were delivered to France and Poland as war reparations.
Baureihe 18.1: Die schöne Württembergerin und ihre Vorgänger describes in detail all the peculiarities of this extraordinary express locomotive, which, with its driving wheel diameter of 1800 mm, was specially built for operation in the hilly Württemberg area with its narrow, curved tracks. With its lightweight engine and reinforced brakes, Baureihe 18.1 was capable of a top speed of 120 km/h.
The book looks at all aspects of the locomotives’ design, construction and operation, including many illustrations, diagrams and tabulated information. It also includes an overview of locomotive development at the Württembergische Eisenbahn from 1845. A detailed account of an important locomotive in German railway history. German text. Hardback. 256 pages.